Raising awareness of the benefits of BIM

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a process of generating and managing data throughout the life cycle of a building – typically using three-dimensional, real-time, dynamic modelling software – with a view to increasing productivity in building design and construction.

Given the current rate of increase in the worldwide use of BIM, there is a perceived need to standardise specification in a number of areas.

The Government’s Construction Strategy, which was published in May 2011, indicates that the use of BIM should be a requirement in all Government contracts by 2016. Government aim to improve efficiency in construction by 20% in the process.

Current Position

The Association is working closely with the Construction Industry Council (CIC) – which represents the professional institutions such as CIBSE – and is supporting the launch of a BIM Academy, which will promote the use of BIM techniques across all construction disciplines.

The Government’s Construction Strategy published in May stated that BIM would be required to be utilised on all Government contracts by 2016.

Next Steps

The Association has joined a BIM Working Party established by the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group, chaired by David Frise to raise awareness of the benefits of BIM among its members and to develop guidance on the use of BIM on Government contracts. The principle aim is to prepare members for participation in post 2016 government contracts. They will develop information and guidance, training packages and influence the development to ensure wherever possible that contractors are not disadvantaged by BIM.

The group is particularly interested in BIM practioners and BIM managers who would wish to join.

Contact

For more details e-mail David Frise